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Shorey to fight for a place

Nicky Shorey is ready to fight for a place in the thoughts of Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

Last Updated: 20/11/08 2:53pm

Nicky Shorey is ready to fight for a place in the thoughts of manager Martin O'Neill and is confident he can become a success at Aston Villa.

The full-back has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Villa's first XI this season as O'Neill has opted to rotate his troops.

Shorey, an August acquisition from Reading, was not even on the Villa substitutes' bench for last weekend's 2-0 victory at Arsenal.

But while the two-cap England international admits it was a setback to miss out at Emirates Stadium, he accepts that O'Neill will shuffle his pack as Villa - who host Manchester United on Saturday - attempt to break into the top four.

Big club

He told the Birmingham Mail: "The manager has decisions to make and has made them.

"I have not talked to him about it, I've just had to get on with it. It happens in football. Whether you agree with it or not you have to get on with it.

"Obviously it was a slow start trying to get to grips with everything.

"It's disappointing missing the (Arsenal) game but that's just the way it is. No-one is guaranteed their place.

"It's a big club but I'm confident in my ability to go on and be a success at Villa. I have strong faith in my ability."